The current (Oct 2007) issue of District Administration magazine cover story is: The New Literacies – Students are immersed in 21st century “new literacy” technologies, but are schools preparing them for the future?
The article presents the dilemma posed by the NCLB 8th grade technology literacy mandate, which is without definition or funding. Should technology literacy be tested in isolation? Is there even such a thing as new literacy? Can schools close the gap between tech-savvy students and out of touch curriculum?
“Technology literacy is endangered by well-intentioned educators trying to create checklists and tests,” says Dennis Harper of Generation YES, which provides programs for youths to improve their education through technology, such as TechYES, which is a technology literacy certification program for sixth- through ninth-graders. “And they artificially put an end to the process. Technology should open new doors to students, not limit them.”
